Showing 1 - 10 of 66
Forces of nature
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/04/2020
» From India's Ganga River to Italy's Venice canals, you can't deny that Mother Nature is doing well in our absence. The same could be said for Thai national parks (which have been closed since March 25 until further notice) as rarely-seen creatures show up and our seas show every shade of blue. Here's some for you to get in touch with nature while WFH.
Thai tongue twisters
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/07/2022
» Happy National Thai Language Day! July 29 has been designated by the Cabinet as Thailand's National Thai Language Day since 1999. Although it isn't a day off, we should take some time off to appreciate how rich and beautiful the Thai language is. And to celebrate Thailand's mother tongue, here are a few Thai tongue twisters to practise with friends for some guaranteed fun, from noob to god level.
Fascinating Fonts
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 29/07/2022
» The Thai alphabet has an aesthetic appeal that has inspired many creative and artistic works. Since today is National Thai Language Day and to honour Thailand's mother tongue, here are a few noteworthy Thai-font-inspired works and the creative minds behind them.
Uniquely Thai Logic
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/01/2020
» A school in Pathum Thani was recently exposed for having the controversial policy of gauging the loudness of students singing the national anthem. They were so serious about it that they divided the students into three categories, based on how loud they are: green, yellow and red. If a student is given green, then they pass. Yellow means they have to sing it twice. Red means they have to sing it thrice. WTF, you ask? This idea is supposed to measure how much students love Thailand. The louder they sing, the more patriotic they are. Simple logic. Of course, the school scrapped this unnecessary practice after receiving overwhelmingly negative feedback from the public. Simple logic, too.
Subject(s) (That) Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020
» Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.
A Thrilling Quest for Truth
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 04/10/2019
» Stuntman Cha Dal-geon [played by Lee Seung-gi] uncovers a huge-scale corruption scheme behind a plane crash that kills his nephew and 200 other passengers en route to Morocco. His hunt for the truth intertwines with Go Hae-ri (Bae Suzy), a covert operative who works for the National Intelligence Service. Along their quest, there are adrenaline-pumping action sequences, espionage, political intrigue, comedy and a sprinkle of romance for good measure.
#ForbiddenPoll
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 02/02/2018
» Earlier this week, the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) Poll Director Dr Arnond Sakworawich, who had been in his job for only two weeks, resigned after his rector asked him not to publish the results of a nationwide survey that his team did on Deputy PM Prawit Wongsuwon's ongoing watchgate. Bangkok Post reported that NIDA president deemed the poll unfair and untimely. Arnond cited lack of respect and academic freedom as his main reasons to quit. Kudos to him for doing this as he is actually pro-regime.
Cool white
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/05/2022
» Following its debut at Meliá Koh Samui in 2020, Spanish hospitality brand Meliá Hotels & Resorts opened Meliá Phuket Mai Khao last December, and, as you may already be aware, Meliá Chiang Mai opened its doors last month. I checked into Meliá Phuket Mai Khao for a quick getaway on an idyllic beach.
Stay In, Stay Safe
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 30/04/2021
» Everyone would agree that staying in is the best policy at the moment given that the current surge of Miss Rona in Thailand is most severe, yet. In good conscience, we don't want to encourage you to go out. But fret not, as Guru has once again saved the day with ideas to help spruce up another bout of self-isolation during this quasi-lockdown.
BAB in Brief
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/11/2020
» Bangkok Art Biennale 2020 is in full swing, showcasing more than 200 artworks by 82 artists at 10 venues until Jan 31, 2021. River City Bangkok was the last to be added as the tenth venue. If you don't know where to begin, allow me to present a cheatsheet to help you discover pieces that you shouldn't miss from BAB.